Steering wheel play on a 135i?

[manwood]

I have a stock 135i, only had it for about two weeks, the thing that I'm not happy with is the amount of play in the steering. It's not huge, but more than I'm used to. When you hit a bump at speed it feels like the steering wheel can turn in the opposite direction to the wheels. Or at least that you aren't directly connected to the wheels.

Generally the handling is great when turning through corners etc, it's just it doesn't feel as tight, connected or as direct as some of the other cars I've owned.

Is this typical of the 1 series coupe? What are the best mods for 'tightening' it up? Or could my car have a problem?

[Fireflyer239]

I just had these firmer control arm bushings from HP Autowerks pressed in, and in terms of bang for the buck, they are great. I have very little play left in the steering, while feel is improved. Well worth it! Here's the link:

http://www.hpashop.com/E82-E9X-HD-Fr...sh-e82-e9x.htm

[1Pirate]

The bushings mentioned above should improve steering feel. Another option is to replace the control arms and tension rods with M3 parts. That is what a did. They are more substantial than the stock 1 parts and they have stiffer bushings too. In my experience replacing the stock parts with M3 control arms and tension rods took the play (I call it slop) out of the steering. Adding the M3 control arms and tension rods along with an M3 front sway bar really improves the way the car drives.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by manwood

I have a stock 135i, only had it for about two weeks, the thing that I'm not happy with is the amount of play in the steering. It's not huge, but more than I'm used to. When you hit a bump at speed it feels like the steering wheel can turn in the opposite direction to the wheels. Or at least that you aren't directly connected to the wheels.

Generally the handling is great when turning through corners etc, it's just it doesn't feel as tight, connected or as direct as some of the other cars I've owned.

Is this typical of the 1 series coupe? What are the best mods for 'tightening' it up? Or could my car have a problem?

Is your car new or used?

[VMRWheels]

bushings are the way to go! They will surely eliminate any 'play' in the wheel to give it more of a firm feel.

[manwood]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Is your car new or used?

Used, but low mileage ~20k

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by manwood

Used, but low mileage ~20k

Then there's not much chance that anything is worn, so my advice is the same that Fireflyer239 gave you.